It’s been a while since I’ve shared anything clean beauty, hasn’t it? While my focus has clearly been on capsule building and style, I’ve a whole list of beauty related topics on queue this year. Part of my job as a content creator means I am constantly testing out new products and new brands. And if you’ve followed me a while or have read any of my beauty content, you know my strong advocacy to choose clean. All said, the excess of beauty products naturally lead to comparison. So I thought, why not make a series of these experiments and breakdown the results?
My interest in beauty and skincare has definitely piqued in the last year or two. Upon my decision to choose safer, more clean products, I sought out skincare at start. I’ve gradually moved into the makeup realm and am happily surprised at all that’s available. I am not one to wear a lot of makeup, and truthfully a lot of the application and how tos are a little foreign to me. But mascara is one beauty ritual I’ve always included in my everyday.
So, it comes without saying, our first beauty breakdown topics clean mascara. I’ve been doing a little behind the scenes experiment the past month or so, and have been testing six clean mascara brands in search for a tried and true favorite, turned empty.
Clean mascara is generally free of many chemicals and preservatives found in traditional mascara. If you’ve read my reasoning behind why I choose safer beauty, you’ve learned there is a lack of US regulation when it comes to the beauty industry. Because of this, there are no hard and fast rules on what exactly defines clean or what clean beauty means.
All said, what I consider clean may differ from the brands definition. And the ‘formulated without’ list of ingredients may differ from one clean program to the next. For example, I’ve found many products within certain clean beauty programs that hold fragrance or perfume. According to the International Fragrance Association, ‘fragrance’ as an ingredient can house thousands of unknown components. Many can remain hidden under that name alone. Bottom line, you really have to read your ingredients.
One source I value is the EWG site. EWG VERIFIED™ recognizes products that meet EWG’s strictest standards for your health. Skin Deep assesses and compares the safety ratings for various personal care products. You’ll see those ratings noted for each in today’s post.
ILIA
Limitless lash mascara | The wand is what sold me. Their patented dual-sided brush helps to lift, curl, lengthen, and separate your lashes. It’s smudge free, flake free, and is very easy to remove at night. I do wish it added a bit more volume, but the pros far outweigh the con.
It ranks #2 on the EWG site.
RMS Beauty
Straight Up Volumizing Peptide Mascara | One of the key factors in finding the favorite is that it doesn’t transfer – meaning, when I apply it, it doesn’t smudge onto my eye lid. This one does not smudge at all. It also separates well and feathers your lashes beautifully. It also doesn’t flake throughout the day. Imo, this would serve as the perfect daytime mascara and it’s only $26!
Only con is that it ranks #5 on the EWG site.
Jones Road
The Mascara | I really love this one for the curved wand. It separates, lifts, and volumes in one fell swoop. I’d say it’s not as volumizing as the Beautycounter mentioned below, but it is very similar to the RMS beauty. It doesn’t smudge, it’s easy to wash off at night and is also extremely affordable at only $26.
This ranks #1 on the EWG site.
HONEST BEAUTY
Extreme Length Mascara + Primer | If you’re looking for a clean accessible mascara – one you can grab on your next Target run, this is IT! This 2-in-one primer + mascara delivers incredible length. It’s also infused with Jojoba Esters that help to moisturize and condition your lashes. Cons include short wands, making application a little uncomfortable and the lack of formula in both the primer and mascara. I simply wish there was more of each in the tube.
This is EWG verified.
Westman Atelier
Eye Love You Volumizing Mascara | Having read tons of positive reviews, and noting the #2 ranking on the EWG site, I added this to list. It does volumize, lengthen and separate my lashes nicely. While there’s minimal transfer, I’ve noticed it clumps and becomes slightly flaky as it dries. It’s also the most expensive at $58. Not sure I’d spend that much every three months.
Beautycounter
Think Big All in One Mascara | If I was searching for a volumizing mascara alone, this would be the clear winner. It takes my lashes to new depths and heights in the best way. However, there are a few cons that deterred its rank. For one, it’s extremely messy. Could be the formula or it’s lack of drying ability but raccoon eyes aren’t really ever what I am going for. Second, it flakes. And third, it’s extremely hard to get off without a double cleanse. I really wanted to love this, but there are just too many cons to convince me otherwise.
This is EWG verified.
